What were his hobbies? What truly interested him? If I had to create a list of activities that Lincoln enjoyed participating in-what would be on the list?

Just curious as to what members here think of the Ann Rutledge story?

1. I think it's a nice story, but no real proof so I think it's spurious.
2. I think it likely happened the way it's been reported.
3. I'm not sure.
4. No one will ever know.

Best
Rob

http://www.suntimes.com/photos/galleries...colns.html

Ladies and Gents,

I have been doing a little research into Abraham Lincoln's visit to Massachusetts in September 1848. Lincoln had gone there to stump for the Whig candidate Zachary Taylor. Although Massachusetts was a Whig stronghold the party was at this time split over the issue of slavery. A new party the "Free Soil" party had formed from disgruntled Whigs who were anti-slavery, and northern Democrats who believed that the party of Jackson was ignoring northern interests. Lincoln made a stirring speech at the old City Hall in Worcester on the evening of September 12, 1848. I wrote an article about Lincoln's visit on my blog if you want to read it go here: http://crhipkins.blogspot.com/2012/07/ab...ester.html

Craig

Lincoln once remarked about John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Does anyone remember his comments? Did he ever remark about the Constitution's stance on slavery? Being a lawyer, did he ever remark on the Dred Scott Decision? These events were all on the road leading to the Civil War and the beginning of the Lincoln legacy. I realize that someone's stance on an issue can change as they acquire additional information and I believe Lincoln's did. Did the Emancipation Proclamation jeopardize the Union or did Lincoln feel that since the country was already in the midst of that great struggle he would do what was right for the 6 million slaves? Answers to these questions could add to his greatness or detract from it. I am sure there are no easy answers. Being president is difficult enough without adding the war, the possibility of foreign intervention and the simple domestic issues of losing a son in the White House and dealing with Mary.